The Philippine Esports Organization signs a partnership with a sports prediction company. Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The Philippine Esports Organization and Sibol, the Filipino national team for esports, received a timely boost as they continued to gear up for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
PESO signed a partnership with e-gaming platform Arena Social Wednesday in Pasay City, hoping to boost the national team's needs and presence ahead of the sporting meet.
According to PESO secretary-general Joebert Yu, this collaboration aligns with the federation's vision of advancing esports and e-athletes in the country.
"I believe Arena Social, PESO, and Team Sibol have the same mindset na gusto nilang palakihin 'yung grassroots, gusto nilang lumaki 'yung esports din here—and that's the goal we intend with our executive director Marlon [Marcelo], with our national esports general manager Jab Escutin, and everyone within [PESO]," Yu told ABS-CBN News.
"We have the same goals," underscored Yu when they discussed with the representatives of the platform. "Technically, sobrang ganda nung sa simula pa lang, when our group started to talk about with Arena Social—they want what's best for esports, 'yun 'yung pinaka-essence [ng partnership]."
Their initiatives included a sports training facility for e-athletes, with the prediction company backing its funding.
"We are powering Team Sibol. Our national athletes carry the weight of the country on their shoulders, and they deserve our full backing. This alliance secured the financial foundation necessary for Team Sibol," said Yu during the formal press conference.
The Philippines will be sending teams for Arena Valor (Men), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Men and Women). The MLBB Men are hoping to defend the country's SEAG gold medal in the gaming title.